macrame knots tying knotwork

Macramé (MAC-ruh-may) is the art/craft of tying cordage into knots in such a way that they form a useful or decorative shape. This was a very popular craft in the 1970s in the USA that is now being revived in the form of jute jewelry and knotted purses. Using all types of knots and additional decals such as beads, you'll be able to create your own macramé crafts in no time. Macrame is an easy, affordable craft to learn. It requires very few tools and just some simple knowledge of basic knots. The knotting cord and knot-bearing cord can change from step to step in a macrame pattern.

Knots can be attractive and decorative in addition to being useful. This article describes several decorative knots which were chosen for their symmetric and attractive qualities, as well as for their ease of tying. There are many other decorative knots, but they can be quite complex to tie.

Macrame's not just for gaudy retro plant hangers anymore. It's summer's most sizzling jewelry trend! Macrame bracelet patterns are so easy and require so few supplies, everyone can get in on the fun! All you need is some cord, string, rope, ribbon--anything you can tie into knots to create fabulous accessories. Macramé or macrame is a form of textile-making using knotting rather than weaving or knitting. Its primary knots are the square knot and forms of "hitching": full hitch and double half hitches. It was long crafted by sailors, especially in elaborate or ornamental knotting forms, to decorate anything from knife handles to bottles to parts of ships. A decorative or ornamental knot (also fancy knot) is an often complex knot exhibiting repeating patterns. A decorative knot is generally a knot that not only has practical use but is also known for its aesthetic qualities.

Often originating from maritime use, "decorative knots are not only serviceable and functional but also enhance the ship-shape appearance of any vessel." Decorative knots may be used alone or in combination,and may consist of single or multiple strands.

Coxcombing is a decorative knotwork performed by sailors. The general purpose to dress-up items and parts of ships and boats during the age of sail.

Modern uses are to wrap boat tillers and ships' wheels with small diameter line to enhance the grip as well as the nautical appeal.

Knots used in coxcombing include Turk's head knot, Flemish, French whipping, and others.